0 Followers
LouLou Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
LouLou Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
7.8
Vibes:
Rooftop Views Revelry
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Brunch Bliss Spots
Perched atop Santa Monica Place mall, this French Riviera-inspired rooftop combines Mediterranean flavors with California flair, featuring ocean views and a vibrant DJ scene. The open-air patio and festive atmosphere transport diners from Santa Monica to the sun-drenched coast of Southern France.
Must-Try Dishes:
LouLou Pizza with Truffle, Beef Cheek Bourguignon, Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Rooftop ocean views with French Riviera party atmosphere
Who should go: Birthday celebrants and brunch party groups
When to visit: Thursday Tulum nights or weekend brunch
What to order: Prix fixe brunch menu, signature cocktails, truffle pizza
Insider tip: Free champagne for birthday tables of 6+ booked within birthday month
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mall parking at Santa Monica Place - first 2 hours free, $2 per 30 min after. Valet available for $8 with validation. Street parking very limited on 3rd Street Promenade
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - think 'rooftop chic.' Jeans acceptable if elevated with heels or nice top. Many dress up for Instagram photos
Noise level: Loud during peak times - DJ and party atmosphere. Conversation difficult after 8pm Thursday-Saturday. Quieter for weekday lunch
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially summer. Bar seating sometimes available in 20-30 min
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, max 15 min wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several Mediterranean mezze options, salads, and pasta dishes. About 6-8 solid choices
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and sides, but only 2-3 dedicated vegan dishes. Chef can accommodate with advance notice
Gluten-free options: Some options available - primarily salads and grilled proteins. No dedicated GF prep area, cross-contamination possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates when you want to impress. The loud DJ scene and party vibe make intimate conversation difficult, but the views and atmosphere are undeniably romantic
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, weekends unlikely. Best bet is arriving right at 5pm opening or trying the bar area. Thursday-Saturday after 7pm nearly impossible without booking
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children, especially dinner service. The party atmosphere and lack of kids menu make it better for teens and up. Brunch more accommodating for families
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable rooftop ocean views and party brunch scene compared to other French spots. More festive and Instagram-worthy than Republique or Petit Trois
Skip if: Want authentic French cuisine (go to Republique) or intimate dining (try Dialogue). Skip if noise-sensitive or seeking value pricing
LouLou Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
8.9
French Riviera meets California cool on this stunning rooftop with panoramic ocean views and DJ-spun beats during weekend brunch. The rose gold sunset lighting and Instagram-perfect cocktail presentations make every table feel like a VIP cabana.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Benedict with Champagne Hollandaise, Croque Madame with Truffle Bechamel, Acai Bowl with Edible Flowers
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: 360-degree rooftop views with live DJ during brunch service
Who should go: Influencers and brunch scene enthusiasts
When to visit: Saturday brunch for the full DJ experience
What to order: Lobster linguine, champagne flights, croque madame
Insider tip: Request ocean-side seating when booking for best photo ops
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $18, self-parking in adjacent structure $8-12 with validation, street parking nearly impossible on weekends
Dress code: LA chic - designer casual, no athletic wear, think sundresses and button-downs for brunch
Noise level: Loud during DJ brunch (conversation difficult), moderate evenings
Weekend wait: 30-45 min with reservation, 90+ min walk-in
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating before 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 5-6 dedicated options plus customizable salads
Vegan options: Limited - 2 options, can modify some vegetarian dishes
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked on menu, but no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for impressive first dates if they're into the scene - stunning views and ambiance, but DJ brunch can be too loud for deep conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, but weekend brunch books 2-3 weeks out. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins after 2pm
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - no kids menu, party atmosphere during brunch, better for teens who appreciate the scene
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable ocean views and see-and-be-seen energy that beats Catch LA and Elephante for pure Instagram moments
Skip if: You want intimate conversation or authentic French cuisine - try Republique or Petit Trois instead
LouLou Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge
8.1
Perched atop Santa Monica Place, this French Riviera-inspired rooftop transports diners with Pacific Ocean views and Mediterranean flavors. The energetic atmosphere combines DJ sets with French-Californian cuisine, creating the ultimate see-and-be-seen destination for sunset cocktails and celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Cheek Bourguignon, LouLou Pizza, Warm Goat Cheese Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Ocean views meet French Riviera vibes with live DJ sets
Who should go: Scene-seekers and brunch enthusiasts
When to visit: Saturday brunch or sunset cocktails
What to order: Beef bourguignon, cocktails, weekend brunch
Insider tip: Reserve patio tables for best sunset views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Santa Monica Place parking structure - 2 hours free with validation, $2/hour after. Valet available weekends $15. Street parking very limited
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - think trendy brunch outfit or date night attire. Athleisure not recommended
Noise level: Loud during peak times with DJ - difficult conversations after 8pm weekends, moderate during brunch
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially sunset hours
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min walk-in usually available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 solid options including ratatouille and truffle pasta
Vegan options: Limited - 2 dishes can be modified, better for vegetarians
Gluten-free options: Some options available - salads and proteins, but not a strength
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for impressive first dates if they're into scene-y spots. The views and atmosphere do half the work, but can be loud for intimate conversation after 8pm
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, but weekend brunch and any dinner require reservations 2+ weeks out. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids - loud music, cocktail-focused crowd, no kids menu. Better for teens who appreciate the Instagram moments
Best For
Better for: Best rooftop ocean views in Santa Monica with actual good French food, not just drinks. More polished than Elephante, better views than Fia
Skip if: You want intimate conversation, authentic bistro experience, or dining under $40/person. Try Pasjoli or Rustic Canyon instead